Soil conditioner applicator



NOV. 12 1968 Q D PEIFER SOIL CONDITIONER APPLIGATOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Original 'vF'il'ed July 14, 1966 Nov. 12 1968 Original Filed July 14,1966 C. D. PEIFER SOIL CONDITIONER APPLICATR 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 'A TUnited States Patent O 3,410,234 SOIL CONDITIONER APPLICATOR Charles D.Peifer, Shelbyville, Ill., assignor to P & H Sales, Shelbyville, Ill., apartnership Continuation of application Ser. No. 565,283, July 14, 1966.This application Dec. 4, 1967, Ser. No. 687,916 19 Claims. (Cl. 111-7)ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE This invention comprises an applicator4assembly for introducing conditioners such as fertilizers into soil.The assembly principally lincludes a draw bar with a rearrwardtransverse bearing in which a transversely extending tool bar assemblyis supported. An elongate frame member is also mounted on the draw barspaced from the bearing, and extending a substantially equal transversedistance from each side of the draw bar. The tool bar assembly iscapable of orbiting vertically within said bearing means, and includespenetrators for breaking the soil and introducing `a soil conditionertherein. In the preferred embodiment the tool bar assembly has foldableend sections, and the soil penetrators are :releasably secured to thetool bar to permit the transverse spacing of said penetrators to beselectively varied. Linkage means and releasable locking means controlthe vertical positioning of the tool bar assembly. The tool bar assemblyfurther includes a roll bar mounted in said bearing means whichpreferably has substantially the same transverse extent as the framemember. The assembly Aalso includes means for supporting a soilconditioner storage tank and supporting wheel assemblies The wheelassemblies are releasably secured to said frame member, and alsopreferably to said roll bar of said tool assembly in a manner whichpermits the wheel assemblies to be adjusted transversely with respect toeach other and with respect to said tool bar assembly.

General description of the invention This case is a continuation of Ser.No. 565,283, filed July 14, 1966, now abandoned.

This invention relates generally to farm implements, and moreparticularly relates to an applicator unit for introducing conditionerssuch as fertilizers into the soil.

At the present time there are many types of applicator units availablewhich break the ground with knife tines or discs and then introduce asuitable liquid or solid conditioner, such as anhydrous ammonia and thelike, into the soil. Generally, such prior applicator units are ofrelatively complicated construction, and include rigid and unexibleframe structures which prevent them from' operating at optimum eficiencyin the field. The structural framework of the prior applicators addunnecessary weight to the unit, thereby requiring a substantial draftforce to pull the unit during soil-conditioning operations. The heavyand rigid frame structure also prevents prior units from being readilyadapted to meet varying field conditions, such as crop row width, andprevents the units from being readily adjusted to operate at differentswath widths. Moreover, the construction of prior applicator units makesit difficult to adjust the units for stable, safe travel alongrelatively narrow passageways, such as along frontage roads andhighways.

Accordingly, it is the principal object of this invention to provide yasoil conditioner applicator unit having a substantially frameless,lightweight construction.

It is another object of this invention to provide a lightweightconditioner applicator unit which is very stable in operation and whichcan be readily adapted to apply "ice conditioners to the soil at varyingswath widths, and under varying field conditions.

It is still another object ofthis invention to provide 'a lightweightapplicator unit which can be readily adapted for safe and stable travelalong narrow passages, such as frontage roads land highways.

Description of an exemplary embodiment Additional objects and featuresof this invention will become more apparent from the followingdescription of an embodiment thereof, taken lin conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE l is a side elevational View of an applicator unit embodying thefeatures of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a partial plan view of the applicator unit shown in FIGURE1;

FIGURE 3 is a rearward perspective view of the applicator unit shown inFIGURES 1 and 2, with the tool bar of the unit illustrated in a raisedor folded position;

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of a tool bar hinge constructionemployed on the `applicator unit, shown in a closed or locked position;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the tool bar hinge shown in an openedor unlocked position; and

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a lock-up device utilized in theapplicator unit to control the vertical positioning of the tool bar, asviewed from the direction indicated by the line 6-6 in FIGURE 2.

Referring to FIGURES l through 3 of the drawings, the applicator unitembodying the features of the present invention is generally indicatedby the reference numeral 10. The applicator unit 10 generally includes aV-shaped draw bar 20, a transverse frame member 40, a rolling tool ba-rassembly 60, and supporting wheel assemblies 80. The applicator unit 10lalso include-s tank saddles 100 for supporting a suitable conditionerstorage and distributing tank 120. As explained further'below, thesemajor components of the applicator unit 10 embodying the features ofthis invention are assembled in a man-ner which eliminates the need fora separate rigid and heavy frame structure. More particularly, theseabove-described major components are interconnected in a novel mannerwhich permits the components to be selectively positioned so that theapplicator unit 10 will operate safely and eiciently under varying fieldconditions and on roads land highways.

Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2 in more detail, the draw bar is V-shaped indesign and has a substantial longitudinal or horizontal length. Theouter end of draw bar 20 is preferably angled downwardly toward theground, as seeln in FIGURE 1, and includes a suitable hitching mechanism22 for connecting the applicator uinit 10 to a power vehicle such as atractor (not shown). The draw bar 20 is also provided with a universalbase plate 24 to support the metering pumps and compressors (not shown)which are conventionally employed to distribute anhydrous ammonia or thelike from the talnk 120 during the soil conditioning operation. Sincethe applicator unit 10 is symmetrical about the longitudinal center lineof the draw bar 20, only one side of the unit 10 is fully illustrated inFIGURES 2 and 3 of the drawings.

As seen from FIGURE 2, the rear eJnd of the draw bar 20 is provided witha generally cylindrical sleeve member 26 which extends in a transversedirection with respect to the center line of the draw bar 20. The sleeve26 is preferably hemispherical in shape, and includes a pair of arcuateclamps 28 at its ends. As explained further hereinafter, the sleeve 2-6and the clamps 28 thereby define a transverse bearing surface forreceiving a portion of the tool bar assembly so that the tool barassembly can be rotatably supported at the rear of the draw bar 20.

The applicator unit also includes an elongate frame member 40 extendingtransversely across the draw bar 20 in a position substantially parallelto the sleeve 26. More particularly, the frame member 40 is spacedhorizontally from the rear end of the draw bar in substantially the samehorizontal plane as the sleeve 26, and projects an equal distance fromeach side of the ldraw bar 20. Suitable clamps 42 secure the framemember 40 to the draw bar 2) in the above-described position. Theconnection of the draw bar 20 and frame member 40 by means of the clamps42 allows the maximum width of the applicator unit 10 to be easilymodified, if desired, by replacing the frame member 4t) with another-member having a selected transverse length.

The rolling tool bar assembly 60 included in the present invention islocated adjacent the rear end of the draw bar 20, as shown in FIGURES 1and 2. In order to have the substantial transverse width desired forsoil conditioning operations, the tool bar assembly 60 is constructedfrom. a

central tool bar section 62 which has folding tool bar end sections 64(only one of which is illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3). As explained indetail hereinafter, a hinge assembly joins the end tool bar sections 64to the central section 62 in a manner which allows the end sections tobe folded up, as show-n in FIGURE 3, when the applicator unit 10 istraveling along a narrow passageway. When folded down into alignmentwith the central tool bar section 62, as shown in- FIGURE 2, the endsections 64 permit the tool bar assembly extend a substantial distancebeyond the sides of the draw bar structure 20 and the transverse framemember 40. Further adjustment in the width of the tool bar assembly 60is lmade possible by providing the tool bar end sections 64 with aflanged joint 66. The end sections 64 can then be shortened bydisconnecting the joint 66 and removing an outer portion 64a of the endsection; or can be lengthened by adding a longer tool bar section to thetool bar assembly 60 at the joint 66.

The tool bar assembly `60 further includes suitable soilpenetratingapparatus for breaking the ground below the applicator unit 10 andinjecting a suitable conditioner into the broken soil. In this regard,the tool bar assembly 60 is provided with a plurality of coiled tines 68having downwardly projecting knife blades 70. As seen in FIGURES 1 and2, the tines 68 are transversely spaced along the tool bar sections 62and 64, and are connected to the adjacent tool bar sections by suitableclamps 72. The clamps 72 therefore permit the relative transversespacing of the tines 68 and the associated knife blades 70` to beadjusted to meet varying field conditions, such as differing crop rowwidths.

By the above arrangement, the knife blades can. be lowered intoengagement with the ground at the desired spaced intervals to cut anopen furrow in the soil upon forward movement of the applicator unit 10through the eld. To direct a liquid or solid soil conditioner from thestorage tank into the soil thereby broken open by the knife blades 70,each of the knife blades 70 includes an injecting nozzle 74 at its lowerend, as shown in FIG- UREl l. The nozzles 74 are connected by suitableconduits 76 (FIGURE 1) through suitable valves and metering pumps (notshown) to the soil conditioner tank 120. A metered flow of conditionercan then be conducted through the conduits 76 and the nozzles 74 intothe soil, in the well-known manner.

In order to secure the tool bar assembly 60 to the applicator unit 10 inthe marmer contemplated by this invention, the tool bar assembly 60includes a roll pipe S0 which can be rotatably mounted within theabove-described sleeve 26 on the draw bar 20. As seen from FIGURE 2, theroll pipe 50 has substantially the same transverse length as the framemember 40 and the central tool bar section 62, and is connected to thecentral tool bar section 62 by end straps 52 adjacent the clamps 26 andstraps 54 in the center of the roll pipe S0. The straps 52 and 54thereby join the central tool bar section 62 and the roll pipe 50together in a spaced but generally parallel relationship. Moreover, thestraps 52 are arranged to be en.- gageable with the clamps 28 to preventany substantial axial movement of the roll pipe 50.

As a result of the above-described construction, the tool bar assembly60l can be lrotatably connected to the applicator unit 10` by placingthe roll pipe 50 within the sleeve 26 and securing the clamps 28 aroundthe roll pipe 50. After being mounted on the draw bar 20` in such aposition, the rotation of the roll pipe 50 within the sleeve 26 willcause the entire tool bar assembly 60 to orbit or roll around the rollpipe 50. Accordingly, the soil-penetrating yknife blades 7 0 can bemoved in a vertical plane, and selectively engaged with the ground belowthe applicator unit 10, by rolling the tool bar sections 62 and 64vertically downwardly around the roll pipe 50'.

The applicator 10 is also provided with a lift mechanism for adjustablycontrolling the vertical position of the tool bar assembly 60 withrespect to the draw bar 20. As seen from FIGURE 1, the lift mechanism140` includes a pair of links 142 and 144 which are pivotally joinedtogether at one of their ends by a pivot pin 146. The lift mechanism140` also includes a longitudinally disposed guide member secured to thedraw bar 20 between the frame member 40 and the sleeve 26. Further, aslide ring 152 is mounted around the guide member 150 and is free toslide longitudinally along the guide member between the frame member 40and a rearward stop 154, As also shown in FIGURE 1, the slide ring 152includes a 'depending flange 156 to which the other end of the link 144is pivotally connected. The other end of the link 142 is xed to the tool`bar assembly 60 by being welded or otherwise secured between the centerstraps 54 (FIGURE 2).

In operation of the lift mechanism 140, the movement of the slide ring152 toward the front end of the guide member 150 (to the right inFIGURES 1 and 2) will roll the tool bar assembly 6l)` about the rollpipe 50 and move the tine knife blades 7'0l downwardly into engagementwith the ground, as shown in solid lines in FIGURE 1. On the other hand,the movement of the slide ring 152 toward the rear end of the guidemember 150 (to the left in FIGURES l and 2) will transmit force throughthe links 142 and 144 and roll the tool bar assembly 60 into a raisedposition such as shown in phantom in FIG- URE 1. The lift mechanism 140thereby permits the tool assembly 60 to be readily adjusted into thedesired vertical position. Although the lift mechanism 140 can bemanually operated, it is preferred to provide the applicator unit 10with a suitable device such as a hydraulic cylinder 160, connectedbetween the slide ring 152 and the draw bar 20, so that the verticalpositioning of the tool bar assembly 60 can be remotely controlledduring the operation of the applicator unit 10'.

To assure safe movement of the applicator unit 10 when the tool barassembly 60 is in a raised position, the lift mechanism 140 is providedwith a lock-up device which prevents the raised tool bar assembly 60from accidentally falling. In this regard, the guide member 150 isprovided with a transverse aperture 170 and the slide ring 152 isprovi-ded with a retaining brace 172 (FIGURES 2 and 6). When the slidering 152 is moved to its extreme rearward position against the stop 154,as illustrated in FIGURE. 6, the slide ring 152 exposes the aperture170. In fact, the aperture is selectively spaced from the stop 154 sothat one end of the slide ring 152 is lpositioned closely adjacent tothe aperture 170 when the other end of the sli'de ring is engaged withthe stop 154` A locking pin 174 having a perpendicular handle 176 isthen inserted within the aperture 170 and rotated so that the 'handle176 is engaged within the retaining brace 172.

As seen in FIGURE 6, the brace 172 engages the handle 176 and preventsthe pin 174 from being accidentally removed from the aperture 170 by themovement of the `applicator unit 10. Moreover, the pin 174 engages withthe slide ring 152 and prevents the slide ring 152 from moving forwardlyalong the guide member 150, thereby securely locking the tool barassembly 60 in a raised position. The tool bar assembly 60 can bereleased and lowered by rotating the locking pin 174 until the handle176 clears the brace 172 (as shown in phantom in FIGURE 6) and thenremoving the locking pin 174 from the aperture 170. The above-describedlock-up device thus allows the applicator unit 10 to be safely movedwith the tool bar assembly 60 locked in a raised position.

The hinge assemblies 30, about which the tool assembly 60 will laterallyfold upon itself, also permits the applicator unit 10' to move safelyalong narrow passageways such as frontage roads and highways. As seen inFIGURES 2, 4 and 5, each hinge 30 comprises a pair of mating hingeplates 31 and `32 connected between the central tool bar section 62 andthe tool bar end sections 64. More particularly, the hinge plate 31 isconstructed from a rigid liat plate, and is welded across the transverseends of the roll pipe 50 and the central tool bar section 62. The hingeplate 32, also of fiat and rigid construction, is welded at its topportion to the tool bar end section 64, and is strengthened at itsbottom portion by a strut 33 connected to the tool bar end section 64.As illustrated in FIGURE 4, the hinge plates 31 and 32 have asubstantial length so that the hinge assembly will rigidly support thetool Ibar end sections 64 in the unfolded position `without the need foreXtra stabilizers such as gauge wheels and the like.

The hinge pin 34 joins the plates 31 and 32 together so that the platesmay pivot relative to one another from a closed position as shown inFIGURE 4 to an open position as shown in FIGURE 5. More particularly,the hinge pin 34 in accordance with this invention has its axis pinclined at an acute angle a from the radius of rotation r of the toolassembly 60, as illustrated in FIGURE 5. The angle a, which ispreferably approximately degrees, allows the end sections 64 of the toolbar assembly 60 to be folded upwardly at an angle inclined from theplane of the tool bar assembly 60 defined by the roll pipe and thecentral tool bar section 62.

As a result of the above-described arrangement of each tool bar hinge30, the tool bar end sections 64 can be easily folded when the tool barassembly is in a lower position adjacent to the ground, since the angleof the hinge pin 34 makes it unnecessary to raise the entire weight ofthe end sections 64 directly upward. As illustrated in FIGURE 3, theinclined hinge pin 34 also results in a substantially verticalpositioning of the folded toolbar end sections 64 when the tool barassembly 60 is rolled into its extreme upward position, therebyminimizing the rearward overhang of the folded tool bar assembly.Moreover the above-described tool bar hinge 30 minimizes the likelihoodof interference between the tines 68 and knife blades 70 on the centraltool bar section 62 and tool bar end sections 64 when the toolbarassembly 60 is folded.

Means are also provided on the tool bar assembly 60 to secure the toolbar end sections 64 in the above-described folded position. In thisregard, a suitable support bracket 3S is removably clamped to thecentral tool bar section 62, and will secure the tool bar end sections64 in their upwardly folded position. As seen in FIGURES 2 and 3, thebracket 35 can be moved transversely along the central tool bar section62, if necessary, so as not to interfere with the tines 68 or knifeblades 70 of the folded tool bar assembly.

To lock the tool bar assembly 60v in its unfolded position, the hingeplate 31 is provided with an aperture 36 which will receive a staple 37projecting from the mating hinge plate 32, as seen from FIGURES 4 and 5.When the hinge 30 is closed, a suitable locking device such as `a wedge38 can be driven through the staple 37 to maintain the hingle plates 31and 32 in a mated relationship.

Referring to FIGURES l, 2 and 3, the tank saddles 100 are connected tothe conditioner tank 120 by any suitable means such as the connectingstraps 102, and are supported on the applicator unit 10 by means oflongitudinal cross-members 104 (only one of which is shown). The forwardend of each cross-member 104 is secured to the transverse frame member40 by a clamp 106, and the rear of each cross-member is provided with abearing block 108. The bearing blocks 108 include a hollow bearing 110which rotatably receives the roll pipe 50 of the tool bar assembly 60.

Accordingly, the clamp 106 releasably secures the crossmember 104 andits associated tank saddle 100 in the desired transverse position on thedraw bar 20, and the bearing block 108 permits the roll pipe 50 torotate freely with respect to the draw bar 20. The tank saddles 100 cantherefore be arranged on the applicator unit 10 to support conditionertanks such as tank 120 of various diameters and lengths withoutinterfering with the operation of the rolling tool bar assembly 60.

Finally, the applicator unit 10 in accordance with this invention issupported for movement over the ground by a set of adjustable wheelassemblies 80. As seen in FIG- URES l, 2 and 3, one wheel assembly 80 ispositioned on each side of the draw bar structure 20, and includes aconventional tire 82 mounted on a hub 84. The hub 84 is rotatablymounted on a stud shaft 86 and the shaft 86 is in turn connected to thelower end of a downwardly extending support arm 88. A crossbar 90 isconnected to the top portion of support arm 88 for joining the wheelassembly to the applicator unit 10.

More particularly, each of the wheel assemblies 80 includes a clampmember 92 which releasably secures the front end of the crossbar to thetransverse frame member 40. In addition, a bearing block 94 havingaligned hollow bearings 96 is connected to the rear end of the crossbar90 with the bearings 96 extended over the roll pipe 50. By thisarrangement, the wheel assemblies 80 embodied in this invention can bereleasably secured by the clamps 92 in the desired transverse positionalong the frame member 40 and the roll pipe 50. Moreover, the bearingblock 94 will support the rear end of the wheel assemblies 80 in amanner which permits the lateral positionings of the wheel assemblies 80to be adjusted without interfering with the operation of the rollingtool bar assembly 60. This arrangement of the applicator unit 10 alsoallows additional supporting wheel assemblies, such as the wheelassembly 80a shown in phantom in FIGURE 2, to be readily connected tothe frame member 40 and roll pipe 50 in a similar manner.

From the above description it is apparent that the frame structure foroperatively supporting the tool bar assembly 60, the storage tank andthe other components on the applicator unit 10 is formed from the drawbar 20, the single frame member 40 and the rotatable roll pipe 50. Theapplicator unit 10 embodying the features of the present invention thuseliminates the need for any rigid and heavy frame structure which wouldinhibit the operation of the unit. Instead, the applicator unit 10iI islightweight and substantially frameless, and can be easily pulledthrough the iield during the soil conditioning operations. In addition,the connection of the tool bar assembly 60 to the draw bar 20 throughthe two spaced clamps 28 (FIGURE 2) and the links 142 and 144 (FIGURE 1)provides a three-point connection for transmitting the draft force tothe tool bar assembly which stabilizes the movement of the applicatorunit 10 through the field.

It is further apparent from the above description that the components ofthe applicator unit 10 can be readily adjusted with respect to eachother to adapt the applicator unit for safe and eflicient travel overfields and along roadways under various conditions. In particular, theconstruction of the applicator unit 10 permits the wheel assemblies 80to be transversely adjusted with respect to each other and with respectto the rolling tool bar assembly 80, and the ground-engaging knife'blades 70 can be readily adjusted in both vertical and transversedirections. Accordingly, the components of the applicator unit can bearranged so that the unit is stable and efficient when applyingconditioner at various swath widths and crop row spacings.

Although the above-described embodiment is preferred, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications ofthe functions and features of the applicator unit can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention, as defined by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. A soil conditioner applicator comprising, in combination, an elongatedraw bar having a substantial longitudinal extent and including bitchingmeans adjacent the front end thereof for joining the applicator to adraft vehicle, said draw bar further including transverse bearing meansadjacent the rear end thereof, a frame member joined to said draw bar ina position longitudinally spaced from said bearing means and extending asubstantially equal transverse distance from each side of said elongatedraw bar, a transversely extending tool bar assembly positioned adjacentsaid rear end of said draw bar and rotatably joined to said draw bar bysaid bearing means, said tool bar assembly including transversely spacedand vertically extending soil penetrators, means for selectivelyrotating said tool bar assembly within said bearing means and rollingsaid tool bar assembly vertically with respect to said draw bar tothereby control the engagement of said penetrators with the soil, meansto releasably lock said toolbar assembly in a vertically raised positionwith said penetrators disengaged from the soil, means to connect saidpenetrators to a source of soil conditioner, a supporting wheel assemblypositioned on each side of said draw bar adjacent said transverse framemember for transporting said applicator in a longitudinal direction, andconnecting means releasably joining each of said wheel assemblies tosaid frame member, said connecting means being securable to said framemember in a plurality of predetermined transverse positions to permitadjustment of said wheel assemblies transversely with respect to eachother and with respect to said tool bar assembly.

2. A soil conditioner applicator in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidsoil penetrators are releasably secured to said tool bar assembly byclamping means which permit the transverse spacing 0f Said penetratorsto be selectively varied on said tool bar assembly.

3. A soil conditioner applicator in accordance with claim 2 wherein saidsoil penetrators of said tool bar assembly are releasably secured to anelongate tool bar having a central section adjacent said draw bar and afoldable end section projecting transversely from each of said sides ofsaid draw bar.

4. A soil conditioner applicator comprising, in combination, an elongatedraw bar having a substantial longitudinal extent and including bitchingmeans adjacent the front end thereof for joining the applicator to adraft vehicle, said draw bar further including transverse bearing meansadjacent the rear end thereof, a frame member joined to said draw barintermediate said ends and spaced longitudinally from said bearing meanswith said frame member extending a substantially equal transversedistance from each side of said draw bar, a tool bar assembly positionedadjacent said rear end of said draw bar, said tool bar assemblyincluding an elongate roll bar rotatably supported on said draw barwithin said bearing means, said tool bar assembly further including anelongate tool bar connected in a substantially parallel spacedrelationship to said roll bar and having a plurality of transverselyspaced soil penetrators thereon, control means to selectively rotatesaid roll bar within said bearing means and orbit said tool bar aboutsaid roll bar and thereby control the engagement of said penetratorswith the soil, means to connect said penetrators to a source of soilconditioner, a supporting wheel assembly positioned on each side of saiddraw bar adjacent said frame member for transporting said applicator ina longitudinal direction, and connecting means releasably joining eachof said wheel assemblies to said frame member, said connecting meansbeing securable to said frame member in a plurality of predeterminedtransverse positions and permitting adjustment of said wheel assembliestransversely with respect to each other and with respect to said toolbar assembly.

A soil conditioner applicator in accordance with claim 4 wherein saidconnecting means joining each of said wheel assemblies to said framemember comprises a cross-member connected to said wheel assembly andextended between said frame member and said roll bar, said cross-memberhaving a front end releasably clamped to said frame member and furtherhaving a rear end rotatably connected to said roll bar.

6. A soil conditioner applicator in accordance with claim 5 wherein saidroll bar of said tool bar assembly supported within said bearing meanshas substantially the same transverse extent as said frame member topermit said cross member of said wheel assembly to be extended betweensaid frame member and said roll bar at selective positions along thetransverse length of said frame member.

7. A soil conditioner applicator in accordance with claim 4 wherein saidsource of soil conditioner comprises a conditioner storage anddispensing tank mounted on said applicator by means of a saddle memberextended between said frame member and said roll bar, and wherein saidsaddle member includes a front end releasably clamped to said framemember and a rear end rotatably connected to said roll bar.

8. A soil conditioner in accordance with claim 4 wherein said soilpenetrators are releasably secured to said tool har by clamping meanswhich permit the transverse spacing of said penetrators to beselectively varied on said tool bar.

9. A soil conditioner applicator in accordance with claim 4 wherein saidtool bar comprises a central tool bar section connected to said roll barand a pair of end tool bar sections transversely aligned with saidcentral section and wherein said end sections are joined to said centralsection by hinge means permitting said end sections to fold transverselyupward toward said central section.

10. The invention according to claim 9 wherein said hinge means areoperative to fold said end tool bar sections upwardly toward saidcentral tool bar section at an angle inclined to the plane of saidcentral tool bar section and said roll bar.

l. The invention according to claim 4 wherein said control meanscomprises a longitudinal guide member connected to said draw bar andhaving a ring member slidably mounted thereon, and wherein said controlmeans further comprises linkage means operably connecting said ringmember to said tool bar to orbit said tool bar about said roll bar inresponse to longitudinal movement of said ring member along said guidemember.

12. The invention according to claim 11 wherein said linkage meansorbits said tool bar upwardly with respect to said draw bar in responseto longitudinally rearward movement of said ring member along said guidemember.

13. The invention according to claim l2 wherein said guide memberincludes a stop engageable with said ring member to limit thelongitudinally rearward movement of said ring member and thereby deinethe extreme upward position of said tool bar, and wherein said guidemember includes means to releasably retain said ring member inengagement with said stop.

t4. The invention according to claim 13 wherein said guide memberincludes an aperture spaced forwardly from said stop and wherein saidapplicator includes a locking pin insertable within said aperture andengageable with said ring member to releasably retain said ring memberin engagement with said stop.

1S. Apparatus for applying a conditioner to soil comprising, incombination, an elongate draw bar having a substantial longitudinalextent and including bitching means adjacent the front end thereof forjoining the applicator to a draft vehicle, said draw bar furtherincluding transverse supporting means adjacent the rear end thereof, afirst frame member joined to said draw bar in a position longitudinallyspaced from said supporting means and extending a substantially equaltransverse distance from each side of said elongate draw bar, a secondtransverse frame member positioned adjacent said rear end of said drawbar and joined to said draw bar by said supporting means, a supportingwheel assembly positioned on each side of said draw bar adjacent saidframe meinbers for transporting said applicator in a longitudinaldirection, connecting means operable to releasably join each of saidWheel assemblies to at least one of said frame members in a plurality ofpredetermined transverse positions to permit adjustment of said wheelassemblies, transversely with respect to each other and with respect tosaid draw bar, and soil conditioner applying means joined to said secondframe member and operable to apply a conditioner to the soil at aplurality of transversely spaced points below said apparatus.

16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 15 wherein said first andsecond frame members have substantially the same transverse extent andwherein said connecting means for said wheel assemblies comprises across-member connected to said wheel assembly and extended between saidfirst and second frame members, said cross member having a front endreleasably joined to said first frame member and further having a rearend releasably joined to said second frame member, whereby said wheelassemblies are adapted to be joined to said apparatus at selectivepositions along the transverse length of said frame members.

17. An apparatus in accordance with claim 15 wherein said soilconditioner applying means comprises a transverse bar having a pluralityof transversely spaced means for applying conditioner to the soil andwherein said bar includes a central section joined to said second framemember and end sections extending transversely beyond said second framemember and adapted to fold upwardly toward said central section.

18. An agricultural implement comprising, in combination, an elongatedraw bar having a substantial longitudinal extent and including bitchingmeans adjacent the front end thereof for joining the implement to adraft vehicle, said draw bar further including transverse supportingmeans adjacent the rear end thereof, a first frame member joined to saiddraw bar in a position longitudinally spaced from said supporting meansand extending a substantially equal transverse distance from each sideof said draw bar, a second transverse frame member positioned adjacentsaid rear end of said draw bar and joined to said draw bar by saidsupporting means, said first and second frame members havingsubstantially the same transverse extent, a supporting wheel assemblypositioned on each side of said draw bar for transporting said implementin a longitudinal direction, each of said wheel assemblies including across-member extended between and releasably joined to said first andsecond frame members, and tank mounting means extended between andreleasably joined to said first and second frame members and adapted tosupport a storage tank on said implement, said wheel assemblies and saidtank mounting means are adapted to be joined to said frame members atselective positions along the transverse length of said frame members toprovide said implement with a plurality of transverse wheel spacings andto permit said implement to support tanks of varying transverse length.

19. An agricultural implement in accordance with claim 18 wherein saidtank mounting means comprises a plurality of saddle members, with eachof said saddle members having a front end releasably joined to saidfirst frame member and a rear end releasably joined to said second framemember, whereby each of said saddle members can be shifted transverselyon -said frame members to support tanks of various length on saidimplement.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,731,901 1/1956 Tye 111-73,157,139 11/1964 Spindler 111-7 3,190,367 6/1965 Kopaska 172-4563,262,505 7/1966 Brakhage 172-456 ROBERT E. BAGWILL, Primary Examiner.

